Work With Us

Hourly Rate

$15.45

Hours

20-40 hours per week, Monday-Friday

Duties

Keep the Aquarium looking and operating great!

• Support the Aquarium’s building and facilities needs by responding to calls and requesting maintenance using a work order database, performing minor repairs, and supporting projects
• Provide professional level communication and support to aquarium staff, city maintenance teams, contractors, and vendors
• Greet all guests with a smile, a verbal greeting, and approachable friendliness
• Always project a professional image while in uniform
• Ability to handle multiple tasks by priority
• Survey the Aquarium to confirm work completion, and report maintenance needs
• Research vendors and suppliers for materials and projects
• Perform paint touch ups
• Must be able to write and communicate clearly
• Able to follow detailed instructions both verbal and written
• Able to lift 50 pounds, climb, stretch, work in tight spaces
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions

Preferences

High school diploma and experience with building maintenance, customer service, database use, word processing, Excel, hand tool use and building repairs. Flexible work schedule. Provide enthusiastic support to maintenance personnel, contractors and aquarium staff. Ability to work in the occasional fast paced stressful situation. Great listening skills. Great organizational skills. Self-starter with strong work ethic.

To Apply

Send your resume and cover letter via email to BRoosa@VirginiaAquarium.com . Or mail to:
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
717 General Booth Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

If selected, applicants will be hired through Abacus Staffing Services.

Hourly rate

$15.45

Hours

Hours vary, some weekends required.

Duties

Assist the horticulture section with nature trail and horticulture exhibit maintenance, including but not limited to:

• Mulching, maintaining, and weeding plant and shrub beds, lawn areas, and walkways
• Pruning and trimming trees and shrubs
• Planting, raking, collecting, and removing debris
• Operation of a lawnmower, leaf blower, and weed eater
• Loading and unloading tools, equipment, soil, gravel, and sand for project assignments
• Maintaining plants in an indoor environment
• Storm damage cleanup
• Other horticultural duties as required.

Requirements

• High school graduate or GED plus some outdoor work experience.
• Ability to use common gardening and hand tools.
• Ability to perform physical labor under various climate conditions for extended periods.
• Ability to bend and kneel for extended periods.
• Ability to use a backpack blower and string trimmer for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Interact with staff, volunteers, and public in a pleasant and professional manner.

Preferences

• Have a general knowledge of horticulture practices and a desire to learn.
• Knowledge of native Virginia plants is desirable, but not required.
• Horticulture experience is a plus.

To Apply

Email your resume and cover letter to BRoosa@VirginiaAquarium.com
or
mail to
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
717 General Booth Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

If selected, applicants will be hired through Abacus Staffing Services.

The Virginia Aquarium’s Veterinary Science & Research Division is now accepting Acquisitions and Quarantine intern applications for summer 2026. The application deadline is March 1, 2026. Notification of acceptance will occur no later than April 1, 2026. The internship start date is flexible, starting between May and June. Please note that this is an unpaid experience, and the Virginia Aquarium does not provide intern housing. Interns are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit.

Responsibilities

Assist with aquatic husbandry and maintenance at Virginia Aquarium’s Marine Animal Care Center. This will include:

• Marine and freshwater specimen collection (seine net, hook and line, dip net, trawl net, etc.).
• Disease recognition and treatment of marine and freshwater fish,
• Water chemistry testing and treatment,
• Food preparation, feeding aquatic animals, cleaning habitats, system maintenance, and repair.
• Involvement with various marine mammal and sea turtle stranding activities and participation in various field research projects.

Qualifications

• Current student or recent college graduate with coursework in biology, marine science, fisheries science, or related field.
• A strong career interest in fisheries management, aquaculture, public aquarium management, or marine science.
• Previous field and/or laboratory research and small boat handling experience are a plus.
• Must be able to work in extreme environmental conditions for up to 8 hours.
• Must have the ability to lift 50 pounds.

Position Requirements

Based on school requirements.

Internship Learning Objectives

Based on school requirements.

Intern Schedule

The schedule is flexible, with a minimum requirement of 2-3 days a week.

Minimum Commitment Required

This internship has a minimum requirement of 8 weeks.

Intern Supervisor/Mentor

Acquisition, Quarantine, & Boat Operations Manager.

Work Location

Virginia Aquarium’s Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center is the base site. The location of activities will vary.

Application Requirements

A complete Acquisition & Quarantine Intern application packet must include the following components. Only complete application packets will be considered.

• A cover letter detailing how the internship experience will assist with career or academic goals.
• Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center internship application form.
• Two letters of recommendation; one must be an academic reference.
• Resume.
• College Transcript(s).

Completed Application Packets

Email the completed application packet to:

Interns@VirginiaAquarium.com and copy JThompso@VirginiaAquarium.com . Please put "A&Q Intern Application Packet" in the subject line.

The Virginia Aquarium’s Guest Engagement Section is accepting applications for Guest Engagement Interns for summer 2026. The application deadline is February 28, 2026. Notification of acceptance will occur no later than March 15, 2026. The internship start date is dependent on the University's semester dates. Interns are expected to complete 400 hours. Please note that this is an unpaid experience, and the Virginia Aquarium does not provide intern housing. Interns are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit.

Position Overview

The Guest Engagement Intern will work with the Virginia Aquarium education team to develop, implement, and evaluate engaging educational activities that focus on fun, educational content, and create a positive, inclusive learning environment accessible to all audiences.

Activities will be field-tested throughout the semester for Aquarium visitors. The final presentation will take place at programs and events, including Sharks After Dark adults-only evenings, Sensory Friendly mornings, early learning programs, pop-up Science on the Go programs, Mermaids! Special Event, and Grab Go Show bags. This internship offers a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in education and guest engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Curriculum Development: Contribute to the creation and development of engaging educational activities and programs.
• Program Implementation: Assist in the execution of educational programs, ensuring smooth delivery and a positive learning experience for all participants.
• Guest Engagement: Interact with guests of all ages, providing informative and entertaining experiences.
• Evaluation: Help assess the effectiveness of educational programs and activities, providing feedback for improvement.
• Inclusive Learning Environments: Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where all guests feel valued and engaged.

Intern Learning Objectives

• Facilitate teamwork through positive actions and activities.
• Deliver a formal report of the experience that includes insight and knowledge gained that can be shared with the education staff in an informal presentation.
• Develop and implement early learning activities that encourage the exploration of nature and science through play for a young audience.
• Facilitate programs designed to share core conservation messages that are easy for all guests to understand.
• Create opportunities for a wide age range of children, including pre-kindergarten and school-aged children, to explore and learn about nature at the key engagement areas in the Aquarium.
• Develop Grab Go Show bags to compliment messaging at key engagement areas including Rays, Upland River, and Sharks.
• Conduct evaluations on programming and activities offered to ensure educational goals are met.
• Work with staff to ensure guests’ needs are met with excellent customer service.

Skills You'll Develop

• Communication Skills: Effective communication with diverse audiences, including children, adults, and groups with varying needs.
• Interpersonal Skills: Building rapport with colleagues, volunteers, and guests.
• Creativity: Developing innovative and engaging educational activities.
• Organization and Time Management: Juggling multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently.
• Problem-Solving: Adapting to unexpected situations and finding creative solutions.
• Develop fundamental engagement skills and test strategies for informal environmental education communication.
• Gain programming and facilitation skills by overseeing the entire program planning process.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in all aspects of work.

This internship provides a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience in education, conservation, and guest engagement. It's a great way to enhance your resume, network with professionals in the field, and make a positive impact on the community.

Intern Schedule

The internship schedule is flexible to accommodate classes and work obligations.

Minimum Commitment Required

400 hours.

Intern Supervisor/Mentor

Guest Engagement Supervisor.

Work Location

Virginia Aquarium’s Main and South Buildings.

Application Requirements

A complete Guest Engagement-Community Engagement Intern application packet must include the following components. Only complete application packets will be considered.

• A cover letter detailing how the internship experience will assist with career or academic goals.
• Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center internship application form.
• Two letters of recommendation; one must be an academic reference.
• Resume.
• College Transcript(s).

Completed Application Packets

Email the completed application packet to: Interns@VirginiaAquarium.com and copy KPBurns@VirginiaAquarium.com .

Please put "Guest Engagement Intern Application Packet" in the subject line.

The Virginia Aquarium’s Veterinary Science & Research Division is now accepting Stranding Response Intern applications for Summer 2026. The application deadline is February 1, 2026. Internships will be approximately three months, starting between May and June. Please note that all positions are unpaid, and the Virginia Aquarium does not provide housing. Interns are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit.

Position Overview

Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program (VAQS) interns promote the conservation of marine animal species through research, response, rehabilitation, and education. Interns will be exposed to all aspects of stranding response; however, daily tasks will be assigned according to programmatic needs. Stranding work is unpredictable; therefore, experiences will vary by internship. VAQS staff will provide as many learning opportunities as possible during each internship.

Responsibilities

• Respond to live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles in the field.
• Participate in a variety of aspects of post-mortem examinations: data collection, photographing, carcass recovery, and cleaning.
• Perform daily husbandry tasks, including food preparation, feeding, and cleaning the rehab area, kitchen, and associated supplies.
• Assist staff with new admits and daily patient treatments. Restrain animals for exams, collect vitals (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature) and morphometrics, take photographs, administer medications, and perform wound care.
• Ensure response preparedness by stocking response bags, fueling vehicles, and cleaning gear.
• Assist with releases of rehabilitation patients, public outreach events, and volunteer/cooperator trainings.
• Assist staff with daily administrative tasks, including answering hotline calls, data entry, and completing response paperwork.
• Complete other projects and tasks as assigned by VAQS staff.

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program or have graduated within the last two years.
• Must be physically fit, able to lift 35 pounds, and walk long distances on the beach in adverse conditions such as extreme heat and cold, humidity, rain, and wind.
• Must be self-motivated, articulate, mature, reliable, responsible, and able to have a flexible mindset, as the schedule for the day can change rapidly. Should work well independently as well as with a team.
• Should be comfortable around dead and decomposing animals.
• Prefer candidate comfortable driving large pick-up trucks and vans. If accepted, willingness to learn how to drive response vehicles is required.
• Background in biology and familiarity with stranding response preferred.
• Experience with DSLR cameras and data entry preferred.

Position Requirements

• Attend VAQS orientation and City of Virginia Beach Defensive Driving upon starting.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Pass a City of Virginia Beach background check.
• Comply with all organizational COVID-19 preventative measures.

Intern Schedule

Intern is expected to be available 3 to 4 days per week, 8:00am - 4:30pm. Weekend and holiday coverage is expected. Three additional after-hours standby shifts per month, 4:30pm-10:30pm, are required.

Minimum Commitment Required

24-32 hours per week for the duration of the internship, approximately 400 hours.

Intern Supervisor/Mentor

Stranding Response Internship Managers.

Work Location

Virginia Aquarium’s Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center.

Application Requirements

A complete Stranding Response Internship packet must include the following components. Only complete application packets will be considered.

• Cover letter including internship expectations and goals. There is some flexibility with internship start/end dates; please include any known schedule conflicts in your cover letter.
• Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center internship application form.
• Two letters of recommendation; one must be an academic reference. Letters can be sent separately to StrandingVolMgr@VBGov.com .
• Resume.
• College transcript(s).

Completed Application Packets

Email the completed application packet to: Interns@VirginiaAquarium.com and copy StrandingVolMgr@VBGov.com . Please type "Stranding Response Intern Application Packet" in the subject line.

The Virginia Aquarium’s Guest Engagement Education Division is now accepting Watershed Warrior Intern applications for summer 2026. The application deadline is February 28, 2026. Notification of acceptance will occur no later than March 15, 2026. The internship duration is flexible between May 4 and August 23, 2026. All internships are unpaid, and the Virginia Aquarium does not provide intern housing. Interns are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit.

Position Overview

The Watershed Warrior Intern will be responsible for helping develop and implement the 2026 Watershed Warriors program. The focus will be on developing and implementing fun educational content and activities on the importance of the local wetlands and watershed. Interns will serve as role models for diverse youth volunteers and mentor them to positively engage guests at the Virginia Aquarium.

Duties

• Develop station activities and engagements that highlight the importance of watersheds and the role they play in conservation.
• Engage a wide variety of audiences at the Aquarium to educate them on how they can take action to protect their local watersheds.
• Supervise and mentor Watershed volunteers to ensure a positive, fulfilling experience for them and guests at the Virginia Aquarium.
• Train and coach Watershed volunteers to engage guests while communicating Watershed-specific educational content.
• Work with Guest Engagement staff to ensure guests' needs are met with excellent customer service.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program or have graduated within the last 12 months.
• Must be comfortable working in an outdoor, hot, and humid environment.
• Must have the ability to stand for long periods.
• Must be familiar with salt marsh environments and inhabitants.
• Must be comfortable getting wet and muddy.
• Must be self-motivated, articulate, mature, reliable, responsible, and work well independently, as well as with a team.
• Must have the ability to maintain a high energy level in varying conditions.
• Must have good communication skills and be comfortable with public speaking.
• Must enjoy working with individuals of all ages.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred but not required.

Intern Learning Objectives

• Develop fundamental engagement skills and test strategies for informal environmental education communication.
• Gain supervisory and mentoring skills with a diverse adult and youth volunteer team.
• Facilitate teamwork through positive actions and activities.
• Deliver a formal report that includes insight and knowledge gained to be shared with the education staff in an informal presentation.

Intern Schedule

The Watershed Warriors program occurs on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Interns are expected to be available at these times - schedule to be determined.

Intern Supervisor/Mentor

Guest Engagement Educator III and the Watershed Warrior program lead.

Work Location

Virginia Aquarium’s South Building, Nature Trail, and Watershed Exhibit.

Application Requirements

A complete Watershed Warrior Intern application packet must include the following components. Incomplete application packets will not be considered.

• A cover letter detailing how the internship experience will assist with career or academic goals.
• Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center internship application form .
• Two letters of recommendation; one must be an academic reference.
• Resume.
• College Transcript(s).

Completed Application Packets

Email the completed application packet to:

Interns@VirginiaAquarium.com and copy EAlt@VirginiaAquarium.com and MIWright@VirginiaAquarium.com . Please put "Watershed Warrior Intern Application Packet" in the subject line.

The Virginia Aquarium’s Veterinary Science & Research Division is now accepting applications for Sea Turtle and Marine Mammal Stranding Response Batten Fellowships. The application deadline is February 1, 2026. Fellows are expected to work 400-800 hours over approximately three to six months, starting in May-June. Fellowships will be fulfilled in accordance with COVID-19 safety guidelines, and positions are subject to change based on the most current recommendations. The Virginia Aquarium does not provide housing. Fellows are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit, if applicable. All details of academic requirements must be discussed during the application process. This competitive position includes $15 per hour compensation to help offset personal and incidental expenses during the appointment period.

Position Overview

Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program (VAQS) Fellows promote the conservation of marine animal species through research, response, rehabilitation, and education. Fellows will be trained in all aspects of stranding response as opportunities allow. Stranding work is unpredictable; therefore, experiences will vary by fellowship session. VAQS staff will provide as many learning opportunities as possible during each session. Batten Fellows are also expected to complete a focused research project overseen by a staff mentor. We work with each accepted Batten Fellow to select a project from predetermined options based on their background, experience, and interests, while balancing these with the available data and research needs of the program.

Responsibilities

• Respond to live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles in the field.
• Participate in all aspects of post-mortem examinations: cutting and sampling, data collection and entry, photographing, report writing, carcass recovery, and cleaning.
• Perform daily husbandry tasks, including food preparation, feeding, and cleaning the rehab area, kitchen, and associated supplies and equipment.
• Assist staff with sea turtle rehabilitation patients, including daily treatments, restraining animals for exams, collecting vital rates (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature) and morphometrics, taking photographs, administering medications, and performing wound care.
• Assist with research projects and field activities involving sea turtles and marine mammals.
• Ensure response preparedness by stocking response bags, fueling vehicles, cleaning, and restocking gear and supplies.
• Assist with releases of rehabilitated patients, public outreach events, and volunteer/cooperator training.
• Assist staff with daily administrative tasks, including answering hotline calls, data entry, and completing response paperwork.
• Complete other projects and tasks as assigned by VAQS staff.

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be a rising junior or senior, recent graduate, or pursuing a post-graduate degree in a science-based or veterinary program.
• Must be self-motivated, articulate, mature, reliable, adaptable, and responsible. Should work well independently as well as with a team.
• Must be physically fit and able to lift 35 pounds and walk long distances (>3 mi/5 km) on the beach in adverse conditions such as extreme heat and cold, humidity, rain, and wind.
• Be able to swim and be comfortable in and around open water and boats.
• If accepted, willingness to learn how to drive response vehicles is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrate interest in a career in marine or veterinary science.
• Have some experience in stranding response, field research, and/or wild/exotic animal care.
• Have basic math and computer skills using MS spreadsheets, relational databases, and data entry. Advanced programs such as SQL, GIS, R, etc. preferred.
• Comfortable around dead and decomposing animals.
• Comfortable driving large pick-up trucks and vans.

Position Requirements

• Attend VAQS orientation and City of Virginia Beach Defensive Driving upon starting.
• Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Pass a City of Virginia Beach background check.
• Be available to perform support activities during the appointment period, as needed. This includes overnights, weekends, and holidays as assigned.

Fellowship Learning Objectives

Develop fundamental hands-on stranding response and rehabilitation skills:

• Perform basic post-mortem examinations on sea turtles and marine mammals.
• Perform basic health assessments of rehabilitation patients, including collecting vital rates, treating wounds, administering medications, and processing blood samples.
• Be able to complete Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN) and Marine Mammal Stranding Level A forms.
• Enter stranding data in Microsoft Access.
• Complete an individual project with a final deliverable: paper, report, and/or oral presentation.

Fellow Schedule

The fellow is expected to be available 4-5 days per week, 8:00am-4:30pm. Weekend and holiday coverage is expected.

Commitment Required

400-800 hours, approximately 3-6 months, depending on availability.

Fellow Supervisor/Mentor

Stranding & Research Scientist.

Work Location

Virginia Aquarium’s Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center.

Application Requirements

A complete Stranding Response Fellowship application packet must include the following components:

• Cover letter. There is some flexibility with fellowship start and end dates; please include any known schedule conflicts in your cover letter.
• Fellowship expectations letter. This should include what you expect to do and gain from your experience.
• Resume.
• College transcript(s).
• Two letters of recommendation; one must be an academic reference. Letters can be sent separately to StrandingVolMgr@VBGov.com .

Completed Application Packets

Email the completed application packet to:

Interns@VirginiaAquarium.com and copy StrandingVolMgr@ VBGov.com

Please type "Stranding Response Batten Fellow Application Packet" in the subject line